The excitement was palpable at South School on Wednesday, June 4 as students gathered for the second annual Future Fair, an inspiring career exploration event that brought together students, staff, and local leaders for a day of real-world, interactive learning.

This year’s event was more than just a success—it was a powerful example of what’s possible when schools and communities come together. What started as one great idea, led by two South School staff members and a committee of seven, grew into a district-wide experience—connecting 475 students from four RSU #13 elementary schools with 19 local businesses, 25 civic and community organizations, and 10 working vehicles.

Thanks to thoughtful coordination and enthusiastic support, students in grades 3–5 from the other RSU #13 elementary schools were bused in to join South School students for the full Future Fair experience. Every third through fifth grader in the district had the opportunity to explore a wide variety of professions and connect with local professionals eager to share their expertise and passion.

“The expansion this year was incredible,” said Monica Karam, South School counselor and event co-organizer. “We loved seeing students from all over the district come together, ask great questions, and get inspired. It was joyful, busy, and truly meaningful.”

Nicole McLellan, third grade teacher at Cushing Community School, shared, “CCS students said it was a highlight of their year, and many are motivated to learn more about future careers. They are looking forward to coming next year!” 

That sense of excitement and possibility was echoed by many throughout the day. Lisa Gordon, beekeeper, South School parent, and owner of Bird Dog Farm & Apiary, noted: “South School is ‘leading the pack’ literally into the future. I am so thankful that I was invited to be a part of the Future Fair. The kids were engaged, thoughtful, and inquisitive. It was so great to see so many of our community members come together to inspire our future.”

All students, including South School’s youngest learners in PreK–2, experienced the lively outdoor Touch-A-Truck exhibit—climbing into a fire truck from the Rockland Fire Department and an ambulance from North East Mobile Health Services, checking out a skid steer and excavator from Vannah Construction and United Ag & Turf, watching a Central Maine Power lineman scale a utility pole, and getting up close to a boat from The Apprenticeshop, among many others.

Meanwhile, inside the gym, students rotated through packed stations hosted by local professionals. They took shots on goal with Midcoast Recreation Center, tested reaction speed with The Pitch, explored AAC devices with speech pathologists, and learned about massage therapy, too. A forest ranger shared a behind-the-scenes look at their work, and Rockport Landscape showcased careers in the green industry. These were just a few of the many professionals helping students discover the wide range of careers available right in their own community.

Among the highlights was a visit to Rockland Mayor and City Council Member Penny York’s table, where students participated in a mock election—officially naming the lowbush blueberry as Rockland’s city plant. York remarked, “As Mayor, City Councilor and the proud Mom of a South School student, I have seen firsthand representation of the many technical jobs and opportunities that will carry Rockland into the future…The future of Rockland is dependent on young adults choosing to stay here and pursue roles that are critical to keeping this community a safe and prosperous place to live. I can see the South School Future Fair being instrumental in helping us achieve our goals as a community.”

“The event wasn’t just about one day,” said Victoria Hamilton, South School music teacher and co-organizer. “It was about planting seeds for the future. Community members, parents, and local professionals all played a part in showing students what’s possible when curiosity meets opportunity.”

That spirit of curiosity buzzed throughout the day. Dr. Emily Leach, DMD, of Granite Coast Orthodontics, reflected on the power of early exposure:  “I was only a little older than a lot of these kids when I became interested in orthodontics,” she said. “It was great to see so many kids curious about dentistry and maybe considering the field when they otherwise wouldn’t have! Dentistry is a field in high demand in our state, and being able to show kids what a great profession it can be is so valuable for them—and potentially for improving access to care in Maine.” 

Connections like these—between students and local professionals—spark curiosity today and can inspire careers tomorrow.

The Future Fair is more than an event—it’s a celebration of dreaming big, learning deeply, and building strong bridges between careers, classrooms and community. South School extends heartfelt thanks to the dozens of community members and professionals who shared their time, talents, and tools.

Tobey Williamson, Ainslee York, Deb Myers, Bangor Saving Bank, Lisa Gordon, Board of Directors - Maine Coast Storm, Back Cove Yachts, Camden National Bank, Tim Pierce, Central Maine Power, Balanced Dental Hygiene Suite, Dow Furniture, Rockland Fire Department, Fisher Engineering, IFF Manufacturing, Forest Ranger Timothy Kjellman, Robbins Lumber, Granite Coast Orthodontics, RSU #13 Human Resources, United Ag & Turf, Mid Coast School of Technology, Midcoast Recreation Center, District Attorney Natasha Irving, North East Mobile Health Services, Julie LeBlanc, Tabby Varney, Madeline Knowlton, Kasey Drinkwater, Heather Nelson, Owls Head Transportation Museum, Pope Memorial Humane Society, Penny York, Rockport Landscape, Rockland Rotary, RSU #13 Maintenance Department, Chris Houle, The Apprenticeshop, The Pitch, YMCA, Vannah Construction and Jane Newcomb.